Residents are advised to exercise caution as freezing fog could significantly reduce visibility, leading to dangerous travel conditions both on roads and underfoot. The alert also raises concerns about animal welfare and potential travel disruptions. Meanwhile, the rest of Ireland, including Dublin, is under a Status Yellow low-temperature warning until 12 PM on Friday.

Relief on the Horizon

While the current cold snap persists, better weather is just around the corner. Meteorologists are forecasting five consecutive rain-free days next week, coupled with temperatures reaching double digits. A high-pressure system moving over Ireland is expected to bring largely settled conditions.

Met Éireann noted, “Temperatures are likely to be slightly above average for this time of year, with precipitation levels below normal. However, frost and fog may develop overnight, with areas of low cloud slow to clear during the day.”

According to WX Charts, next week’s weather will see minimal rainfall, with only brief drizzles between Wednesday and Sunday.

Current Conditions and Weekend Forecast

This morning, Dubliners experienced sub-zero temperatures ranging from -2°C to -5°C, while parts of Limerick recorded a chilling -8°C last night, marking the coldest point of the freeze so far. However, temperatures in Dublin are expected to rise to 8°C on Saturday and a milder 11°C by Sunday.

Before relief sets in, tonight could still see lows of -6°C, accompanied by early frost under cloudy skies. Met Éireann’s full weekend forecast includes:

• Friday: A cloudy day with scattered light rain in the southwest, though most areas will stay dry. Highs of 2°C to 5°C.
• Friday Night: Overcast with light rain or drizzle in places, and lows between 0°C and 4°C.
• Saturday: Cloudy conditions with occasional rain clearing to reveal isolated sunny spells in the afternoon. Highs of 4°C to 8°C.
• Saturday Night: Mostly dry and milder, with lows of 2°C to 6°C and some mist forming overnight.
• Sunday: Overcast skies with a southerly breeze. Rain may develop in western counties but the rest of the country will likely remain dry. Highs of 8°C to 11°C.

Outlook for Next Week

The high-pressure system dominating Ireland next week is set to bring predominantly dry weather, particularly in southeastern areas. However, frontal systems may affect Atlantic coastal counties, leading to occasional cloud and drizzle. Overall, conditions should remain calm with the possibility of sunnier spells in some regions.

Stay updated on the latest weather developments and exercise caution as warnings remain in place.

Met Éireann forecaster Matthew Martin explained that the cold conditions will persist through today and tomorrow before “much milder weather arrives on Sunday and continues into early next week.”

Temperatures will hover near freezing nationwide, with frost and ice expected to linger. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr. Martin warned of freezing fog and hazardous road conditions, particularly where snow remains on the ground in the south midlands and southwest.

“Conditions will remain hazardous until tomorrow morning, especially in areas with lying snow,” he noted. “Another spell of sleet and snow is expected over hills in the southwest and south tomorrow morning, but less cold air will start to filter in after that.”

Despite the thaw, Mr. Martin emphasized that “rather hazardous conditions” could persist in some areas until tomorrow afternoon.

Overnight, Met Éireann reported the coldest temperature of -7.5°C in Mullingar, County Westmeath. Other low temperatures included -7°C in Athenry, County Galway, and -6.7°C in Oak Park, County Carlow, marking the coldest nights since the weekend.

Currently, a Status Orange low-temperature and ice warning is in effect for Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Counties Cavan and Monaghan until 11 a.m. A Status Yellow low-temperature and ice warning applies nationwide until midday tomorrow.

Met Éireann predicts widespread frost, ice, and lying snow, along with patches of freezing fog.

In Northern Ireland, a Yellow snow and ice warning for Counties Antrim, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry remains in place until 11 a.m., while a Yellow fog alert covering Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone, and Derry is in effect until 9 a.m. The UK Met Office also cautioned that freezing fog may cause travel disruptions.

Power and water services continue to face disruptions due to the freezing conditions. ESB Networks reported that approximately 500 homes, farms, and businesses are still without electricity, with crews working to restore power.

Meanwhile, Uisce Éireann stated that around 4,500 customers in Tipperary, Limerick, and Kerry remain without water. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with most supplies expected to return by this morning. However, the utility warned of potential increases in weather-related outages if the cold snap persists.

According to the Donegal Weather Channel, heavy snow showers are expected to move in from the North West coast, leading to additional snow accumulation in the affected areas.

These conditions are likely to create treacherous driving scenarios, with icy roads compounding the risk for motorists. Travelers are strongly urged to exercise caution, reduce speed, and allocate extra time for their journeys.

While it remains uncertain whether Met Éireann will issue an updated snow-ice warning, residents are advised to stay informed through official weather updates and follow safety guidelines when traveling.

Local authorities also recommend checking weather forecasts regularly and avoiding unnecessary travel during peak snowfall periods.

Previously, the country was under a Status Yellow snow and ice warning until 12 PM today, with a Yellow low-temperature warning in place until midnight. However, the Yellow alert has now been elevated to Status Orange for 22 counties and extended to 25 counties starting from 6 PM on Wednesday.

Affected Counties and Timings

The Orange warning, which includes Dublin, will be in effect from 6 PM on Wednesday until 11 AM on Thursday. The current alert impacts Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Longford, Meath, Offaly, Westmeath, Wicklow, Cavan, Monaghan, and all counties in Munster and Connacht.

While Dublin, Wexford, Louth, Donegal, and Northern Ireland remain under Status Yellow today, Donegal and Northern Ireland will continue under Yellow warnings tomorrow as well.

Severe Weather Conditions

Met Éireann has warned of widespread severe frost, ice, and snow accumulation, posing risks such as:

• Hazardous travel conditions on roads and footpaths
• Potential travel delays and disruptions
• Animal welfare concerns

Dublin Weather Outlook

In Dublin, temperatures are expected to remain extremely low, with daytime highs of just 1 to 4°C and persistent frost and ice in shaded areas. Overnight, temperatures are set to plummet to between -5°C and -3°C, with a chance of freezing fog on Wednesday night.

Thursday will bring little relief, with freezing conditions persisting despite occasional sunshine. Wintry showers will primarily affect the north and west in the morning, becoming isolated later in the day.

National Forecast Highlights

• Thursday Night: Temperatures could drop to as low as -7°C in some areas. Cloud cover will increase from the southwest, bringing sleet and snow before transitioning to rain.
• Friday: Milder conditions are expected, with temperatures ranging between 0°C and 5°C overnight and daytime highs reaching 6°C to 10°C.

Looking ahead, Met Éireann forecasts a slight improvement in conditions over the weekend, with fewer wintry showers and more settled weather patterns expected nationwide.

Authorities urge residents to exercise extreme caution while traveling and to stay updated with the latest weather alerts.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has confirmed that these cameras will be installed at the busiest junctions and along bus lanes within the first half of 2025. There are also plans to extend this initiative to other cities, including Cork, Limerick, and Galway, by the end of the year. The cameras will not only catch motorists running red lights but also those blocking yellow boxes or illegally using bus lanes.

In contrast to this technological advancement, a new Garda policy on car chases has come under fire. The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has criticised the policy, describing it as “unworkable” and claiming it gives free rein to drivers who refuse to stop. The policy, which instructs Gardaí to abandon pursuits in many instances, has led to concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to effectively manage dangerous driving situations.

The GRA has highlighted several cases where Gardaí did not pursue fleeing vehicles, raising fears that this could embolden reckless drivers and lead to more dangerous incidents on the roads. The association argues that the strict rules are causing officers to hesitate, fearing disciplinary action or prosecution if something goes wrong during a chase.

This new policy has sparked a debate about the balance between ensuring public safety and protecting Gardaí from potential legal repercussions. Critics argue that while the intention behind the policy is to minimise risks during high-speed chases, it may inadvertently encourage more drivers to evade law enforcement.

As Dublin moves forward with the installation of red-light cameras, the city hopes to see a significant reduction in traffic violations and an improvement in road safety. However, the controversy surrounding the Garda pursuit policy highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining public safety while navigating complex legal and operational constraints.

The alert will be active from 5 PM tomorrow until 5 PM on Sunday, impacting the counties of Carlow, Kilkenny, Wicklow, Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary. Authorities have warned of difficult travel conditions, delays to public transport services (air, rail, and bus), animal welfare concerns, and slippery surfaces.

Additionally, a Status Yellow rain and snow warning has been issued for Cork and Kerry from 1 PM tomorrow until 5 PM on Sunday. Heavy rainfall is expected to transition into sleet and snow, posing risks of hazardous travel, poor visibility, and localized flooding.

A broader Status Yellow snow and ice warning covers Leinster, Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford, and Connacht during the same period, highlighting the widespread impact of the upcoming weather event.

In Northern Ireland, the UK Met Office has announced a Yellow warning for ice in Antrim, Down, Tyrone, and Derry from 4 PM today until 10 AM tomorrow, cautioning against icy roads and potential travel disruptions.

Met Éireann’s Senior Forecaster, Gerry Murphy, explained that the current cold snap will persist into tonight, with temperatures potentially plummeting to -4°C. As milder air clashes with the cold front tomorrow, rain is expected to turn into sleet and snow across many regions.

He emphasized that further clarity on snow accumulations and potential school closures will emerge over the weekend as forecasters gather more precise data.

Travelers are urged to exercise caution, plan ahead, and stay updated on weather warnings as the country prepares for this severe weather event.

Fuel Price Increase

Starting January 1, the price of petrol and diesel in Ireland is set to rise once again. This increase is driven by a mandate that requires a higher proportion of biofuels in petrol and diesel, adding 2 cents per litre to both fuels. This marks the fourth hike in motor fuel costs in just over a year, following previous increases in excise duty and carbon tax.

The December AA Ireland fuel price survey revealed that petrol prices have risen by 1 cent to an average of €1.74 per litre, while diesel prices have increased by 3 cents to €1.71 per litre. Factors contributing to these rising costs include increased shipping expenses due to unrest in the Middle East, higher refinery costs, and the weakening of the euro against the dollar.

In April, motorists experienced a 4-cent rise in petrol prices and a 3-cent rise in diesel prices as the government gradually restored the full rate of excise duty on motor fuels. This duty had been reduced in 2022 in response to the war in Ukraine, which had driven fuel prices to around €2 per litre. The full rate of excise duty was reinstated in August, adding further costs to fuel prices.

The latest increase in carbon tax, implemented in October, added 2.1 cents to a litre of petrol and 2.5 cents to diesel. Despite steady crude oil prices, the combination of these factors has led to a continuous rise in fuel costs for Irish motorists.

Fuel retailers and distributors have denied any profiteering, attributing the price hikes to external factors such as the cost of importing crude oil, which is priced in dollars. The euro’s depreciation against the dollar has made these imports more expensive. Additionally, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted supply chains, further driving up costs.

Taxpayer Relief

On a more positive note, taxpayers in Ireland are set to benefit from several budget changes that take effect from January 1. These changes are designed to provide financial relief and boost disposable income for many individuals and families.

One of the key changes is the increase in the standard rate income tax band, which will rise by €1,500. This adjustment means that taxpayers will be able to earn more before being subjected to the higher tax rate, resulting in potential savings for many workers.

Additionally, the personal tax credit and the employee tax credit will both increase by €100. These credits directly reduce the amount of tax payable, providing further financial relief to taxpayers. The home carer tax credit will also see an increase of €100, benefiting families who care for dependents at home.

For social welfare recipients, there is good news as well. The weekly social welfare payments will increase by €12, providing additional support to those who rely on these payments. The fuel allowance, which helps low-income households with heating costs, will also see an increase.

The state pension will increase to €289.30 a week, a €12 hike. Finance Minister Jack Chambers stated that the changes to personal income taxes would support low- and middle-income earners. From today, the Government is increasing the main tax credits – the personal, employee, and earned income credits – by €125 each. This means the maximum employee tax credit for this year will be €2,000 for a single person.

There are also increases in the home carer tax credit and the single person child carer tax credit by €150 each, and increases in the incapacitated child tax credit and blind person’s tax credit by €300 each. The dependent relative tax credit will see an increase of €60.

If you are married or in a civil partnership and both of you have PAYE income, you are both entitled to claim the employee tax credit. There is also a €2,000 increase in what is called the standard rate cut-off point, meaning workers will be able to earn more before paying the top tax rate of 40%. The Universal Social Charge (USC) middle rate has been reduced from 4% to 3%, applying to income between €25,000 and €70,000. The entry threshold to the new 3% USC rate is being increased by €1,622 to €27,382, in line with the increase to the national minimum wage. This means that a full-time worker on the minimum wage will get an increase in their net take-home pay of €1,424 a year. A single person earning €20,000 or less this year will now be outside the income tax net.

Operation Fern and Increased Deportations

Under Operation Fern, a total of 132 individuals illegally residing in Ireland were deported this year. The Gardaí, Ireland’s national police service, will now use chartered flights to increase the number of deportations. This method is expected to be more efficient, particularly for deporting groups of people to the same destination. The use of charter flights is seen as a practical solution to manage the logistics of deporting larger groups, which can be challenging with commercial flights.

Government’s Plan and Support

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has confirmed that the government has put out a tender to assess the market’s capacity for chartered flights. The aim is to have an arrangement in place to run these flights later in the year. Smaller planes may also be used for individuals deemed dangerous and requiring Garda accompaniment. The government has not disclosed the cost of these flights, citing commercial sensitivity. The number of people deported via charter flights will depend on operational necessities, safety factors, cost-benefit analyses, destination, and aircraft type.

Fianna Fáil spokesperson on justice, Jim O’Callaghan, supports this plan, emphasising that the international protection system must have practical consequences for those who fail their applications. He argues that it is unfair to allow individuals who have failed the legal process to remain in the country, undermining the system’s integrity. O’Callaghan believes that enforcing deportation orders is essential to maintaining public confidence in the immigration system.

No Such Thing as ‘Unvetted Migrant’

In response to concerns about the vetting of migrants, Detective Chief Superintendent Aidan Minnock of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB) has stated that there is no such thing as an “unvetted migrant” in Ireland. Every individual seeking international protection is fingerprinted and identified. Claims that asylum seekers are criminals posing a threat to public safety have been rejected, with the majority being economic migrants seeking better opportunities. Minnock emphasised that the GNIB conducts thorough checks on all individuals entering the country, ensuring that those with criminal records are detained and monitored before deportation.

Organised Crime and Migrant Exploitation

However, Minnock acknowledged the presence of organised crime groups from Albania, Romania, and China involved in drug dealing, car theft, exploitation, and people smuggling in Ireland. These groups exploit legitimate businesses and vulnerable individuals, imposing significant debts on migrants and forcing them into criminal activities. The GNIB has identified networks of smaller groups specialising in different areas of criminal enterprise, such as advertising, cybercrime, finances, and the production of forged documents. Legitimate businesses, including haulage companies and airline staff, are also being exploited to facilitate these criminal activities.

Significant Increase in Asylum Seekers

Ireland has seen a significant increase in the number of people seeking international protection, rising from 13,000 in 2023 to over 21,000 in the past year. The GNIB has emphasised that any person identified as a threat to the state is detained and monitored before deportation. The increase in asylum seekers has put additional pressure on the immigration system, prompting the government to explore more efficient methods of managing deportations.

Details of the Charter Flights

The charter flights will begin later this year, with each flight carrying between 20 and 30 people. The government has not disclosed the cost of these flights, citing commercial sensitivity. The number of people deported via charter flights will depend on operational necessities, safety factors, cost-benefit analyses, destination, and aircraft type. The Department of Justice has stated that this method of deportation has been used in the past and is also employed by other EU member states. In addition to charter flights, commercial flights will continue to be used for deportations.

The Department of Justice has also added two extra countries, Botswana and Algeria, to the “safe” list, bringing the total to ten countries. This list includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Georgia, Montenegro, Kosovo, Serbia, and South Africa. The inclusion of these countries on the safe list means that individuals from these nations are less likely to be granted asylum, as they are considered to be generally safe.

The HSE’s report, which draws on data from the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry (HIPE) system, reveals that 1,345 cyclists were discharged from hospitals in 2023, with a similar number, 1,373, recorded in 2022. These figures only account for publicly-funded acute hospitals and do not capture all injuries related to bicycle use.

The most common injuries among cyclists were to the head, elbows, and forearms. In 2023, 263 cyclists suffered head injuries, while 274 had damage to their elbows or forearms, often from landing after a fall. Other frequent injuries included damage to the shoulder and upper arm, with 183 cases reported, and injuries to the thorax, abdomen, lower back, lumbar spine, or pelvis.

The HSE’s data also sheds light on the causes of these accidents. In 2023, 154 injuries were the result of collisions with cars, pick-up trucks, or vans. A significant number of cases, 891, were classified as “non-collision transport accidents,” which include incidents where cyclists fell off their bikes without colliding with another vehicle. Additionally, 300 cases were listed as “other,” encompassing collisions with pedestrians, animals, stationary objects, or accidents involving motorbikes, trains, or light rail trams.

The HSE noted that their system does not record all cases where an injured cyclist visited a hospital. The data only includes patients who attended the Emergency Department and were subsequently admitted to the hospital. This means that the actual number of cycling-related injuries could be higher, as the figures do not account for emergency department or outpatient attendances.

The news of these statistics has sparked discussions on social media platforms like Reddit. Users on the r/ireland subreddit expressed their concerns and shared personal experiences related to cycling safety. Some users highlighted the need for better infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to protect cyclists. Others pointed out the importance of wearing helmets and other protective gear to reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident.

One user commented, “It’s shocking to see such high numbers. We need more dedicated cycling lanes and better awareness among drivers to ensure the safety of cyclists.” Another user added, “I’ve had a few close calls myself. It’s crucial to always wear a helmet and be vigilant on the roads.”

The rising number of cycling-related injuries has prompted calls for action from various quarters. Advocacy groups are urging the government to invest in safer cycling infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes and improved road signage. There is also a push for public awareness campaigns to educate both cyclists and motorists about road safety.

In response to the report, a spokesperson for the HSE emphasised the importance of safety measures for cyclists. “We encourage all cyclists to wear helmets and reflective clothing, especially during the darker months. It’s also vital for drivers to be mindful of cyclists and share the road responsibly.”

Cyclists in Ireland are significantly more likely to be injured in serious crashes compared to drivers. Statistics indicate that cyclists are 11 times more likely to be injured in such incidents. These crashes often involve another vehicle, typically a car. The average claim for injuries sustained by cyclists in these accidents is approximately €27,837, highlighting the financial impact of these incidents.

Wind Warnings

Met Éireann has placed eight counties under a Status Yellow wind warning. The affected counties include Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Mayo, Sligo, Clare, Kerry, and Limerick. The warning is in effect from Saturday afternoon until Sunday evening. Strong westerly winds are expected to bring large coastal waves, making travel hazardous, especially near the coast.

Snow and Ice Alerts

In addition to the wind warnings, a Status Yellow snow and ice warning has been issued for Cavan, Donegal, Monaghan, Leitrim, and Louth. This warning is in place from Saturday night until Sunday morning. Met Éireann has warned of poor visibility, icy stretches, and difficult travel conditions due to hail, sleet, and snow.

Travel Disruptions

The strong winds and wintry conditions are likely to cause significant travel disruptions. Roads, flights, and public transport could be affected, particularly in the western and northern parts of the country. Met Éireann has advised people to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to exercise caution while travelling.

Christmas Weather Outlook

Looking ahead to Christmas week, Met Éireann has provided a mixed forecast. While widespread snow is unlikely, there is a possibility of wintry showers and a sharp drop in temperatures after Christmas. High-pressure systems are expected to bring slightly warmer-than-average temperatures during the day, but cold, frosty nights with mist and fog are also anticipated.

Safety Precautions

Authorities are urging the public to take necessary precautions during this period of severe weather. The Irish Coast Guard has advised people to stay away from coastal areas due to the risk of wave overtopping and spray. Motorists are also advised to be cautious of fallen trees and icy roads.

Additional Details

The UK Met Office has also issued a Yellow wind warning for Antrim, Derry, Down, Fermanagh, and Tyrone, which is set to be valid from 7am until midnight on Saturday. This adds to the already extensive list of counties under weather alerts, highlighting the widespread nature of the impending storm.

Met Éireann has emphasised that the winds will be strongest on Saturday night into Sunday morning, with gusts potentially causing damage to property and infrastructure. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable, with the possibility of wave overtopping and spray making conditions dangerous.

For those planning to travel over the weekend, it is advisable to check the status of flights and public transport services in advance. Many airlines and transport providers are expected to issue updates and advisories as the situation develops.

In terms of temperatures, December 2024 has been slightly warmer than average so far, with temperatures around 9°C. However, the forecast indicates a drop in temperatures as the month progresses, with the potential for frost and icy conditions, particularly at night.

The public is encouraged to prepare for the severe weather by securing outdoor items, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and having emergency supplies on hand. Community support is also vital, with neighbours urged to check on vulnerable individuals who may need assistance during the adverse weather.